Reservoir desk stand



July 15, 19141.

"L. P. MARTIN RESERVOIR DESK'STAND Filed April 1, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet l July 15, 1941.-

' L. P. MARTIN RESERVOIR DESK STAND '2 Sheets-Sheet '2 Filed April 1, 1940 ll|Illill llHiHlllllll'a Patented July 15, 1941 UNITE. STATES RESERVOIR DESK STAND Lynn P. Martin, Fort Madisonplowa, assignor to W. A. Sheaffer Pen Company, Fort Madison, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Application April 1, 1940, Serial No. 327,239

Claims. ro 2+59 1 v This invention relates to a reservoir desk stand and has special reference to a base providing a reservoir for a writing fluid with a receptacle mounted on the base for receiving the end of a penholder, a pen nib in the penholder receiving s its supply of writing fluid indirectly from the reservoir.

More particularly, this invention rel-ates to a reservoir desk stand comprising abase having a walled compartment in the base forming a closed i0 reservoir for writing fluid, there being a receptacle and a well in the base, and a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from the reservoir to the well. The end of a penholder is received inthe receptacle with a nib on the end of the penholder extending into the well for receiving its supply of writing fluid, the level of fluid in the well being predetermined by a slot of capillary dimensions in one of the compartment walls.

A writing instrument for use in a reservoir desk stand having the above characteristics, is ordinarily provided with a nib-supporting feed bar capable of supplying the pen nib with sufficient writing fluid for writing over a substantial period of time. The feed is provided with capillary fissures and cross slots of capillary dimensions for storing a substantial supply of writing fluid. It has been one of the disadvantages in the use of such a writing instrument to supply from the 39 reservoir of the desk stand an amount of writing fluid in excess of that which is ordinarily useful to uniform flow of the pennib andsupply thereto so that in the useof the instrument in writing,

the writing fluid will fall off in blots rather than be drawn therefrom by capillary attraction,

Perhaps the primary reason for the oversupply of writing fluid to the pen nib and feed bar is that the fluid level in the well supplied by the reservoir is not maintained at a constant level. 5 40 The present application contemplates the maintenance of the fluid level at a constant height in the well for receiving the nib so that the height of the writing fluid with respect to the well and the extent of length of the nib thereinto is properly proportioned for filling, by'capillary attraction, the capillary fissures and cross combs of capillary dimensions and never sufliciently high to extend a substantial distance over the pen nib.

The fluid level is maintained by a slot of capillary dimensions in one of the compartment walls separating the compartment of the reservoir from the compartment in which the well is contained.

It has been found not to be desirable to have the air for replacing the writing fluid drawn'from the closed reservoir directed through the same passage as that passage which supplies the well with writing fluid from the reservoir. The undesirable condition is that of a pulsating effect caused by the air bubble traveling in the direction opposite to the direction of writing fluid from the reservoir, the pulsating effect among other things disturbing the writing fluid level in the well. As above stated, the level in the well receiving the pen nib must be constantly maintained and a variance to any slight degree is detrimental to the feed of writing fluid to the fissures and cross cuts supplying the pen nib with writing fluid. In the present invention the supply of writing fluid from the reservoir to the well is for that purpose only, the air replacing the fluid withdrawn from the reservoir being definitely separated from the supply passage and being directed through the slot of capillary dimensions in one of the compartment walls which slot, as above stated, predetermines the level of fluid in the well. A preferable construction and a feature of the present reservoir desk stand results in the formation of separated compartments one within the other with the inner compartment being disposed .closely adjacent one side wall of the outer compartment. The passage communicating between the well and the reservoir has its point of communication with the reservoir adjacent the more or less restricted portion thereof occasioned by the disposition of the inner compartment closer to one end or" the desk stand than to the other.

This substantially reduces if not entirely eliminates the pressure of the writing fluid within the reservoir against the passage into the well should the base of the reservoir desk stand be tipped or accidentally moved. Were the writing fluid in the reservoir permitted free entrance to the well,

any agitation of the base of the reservoir desk stand would force the fluid in the direction of the well to at least disturb the fluid level therein and, for the most part, to displace fluid therefrom. I

The present invention also contemplates the provision of a filler opening for the reservoir which is normally closed by a closure means secured to and removable with the receptacle for holding the penholder. The base forming separated compartments, one of which forms a closed reservoir for writing fluid, is provided with a passage between the compartments normally closed by the aforesaid closure member. The

other compartment may be employed in efiect partment through the passage into the reservoir. This passage is for directing writing fluid only, the passage between the well and the restricted portion of the reservoir permitting the escape of air from the reservoir as writing fluid takes the place thereof. Thus a pulsating effect which normally hinders the free flow of writing fluid into the reservoir is substantially, if not entirely, eliminated.

Temperature changes may cause the air in the reservoir to heat and expand, thus forcing writing fluid from the reservoir to escape therefrom. Expansion chambers are provided for receiving such supply of writing fluid as may be forced from the reservoir due to temperature changes. As will hereinafter be more fully pointed out,

the separated compartments lie in substantially the same horizontal plane. The expansion chambers are disposed below the horizontalplane of the compartments and thus any supply of writing fluid forced from the reservoir will not in any way affect the operation of the desk stand.

' One of the objects of this invention is to provide a reservoir desk stand 'of the character indicated above in which the level of fluid in the well for supplying the pen nib of the penholder is predetermined and is maintained at a constant level.

Another object of this invention is to provide a reservoir desk stand of the type hereinabove noted in which the supply of writing fluid from the reservoir to the Well is separated from the air inlet to the reservoir for replacing the volume of the writing fluid withdrawn therefrom.

A further object of this invention is to provide a reservoir desk stand of the above noted type in which temperature changes causing an expansion of air in the reservoir to displace Writing fluid therefrom may be controlled so that no detrimental effect will be had on the operation of the desk stand.

Also it is an object of this invention to provide a reservoir desk stand of the character indicated above in which separated compartments permit the use of one thereof as in effect a funnel for directing writing fluid to the reservoir through a passage separated from the air passage for exhausting air from the reservoir as it is filled with writing fluid.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out and, for a more complete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which latter:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the base of the reservoir desk stand incorporating the features of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective View of the top of the reservoir desk stand incorporating the features of this invention, the top being inverted in order to more fully disclose the interior construction thereof;

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal sectional view of the assembled top and base portions of the reservoir desk stand shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the figure showing a completed desk stand with the receptacle in position in the top thereof containing a pen nib and penholder shown fragmentarily;

Fig. 4 is a central longitudinal sectional view on a reduced scale of the base of the reservoir desk stand taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. l;

opening being suflicient to, hold the penholder in Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 66 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the apertured top with the means for holding the receptacle shown in position therein and the receptacle being shown in elevation; and

Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional View taken on the line 8'--8 of Fig. 3.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the reservoir desk stand embodying the features of this invention comprises a base 10 having a top or cover ll mounted thereon. The base It] is preferably provided with a depending peripheral flange 2 for resting against a shoulder l3 formed by an undercut provided in a depending peripheral flange Id of the top. The material of the top and the base may be of any plastic substance such, for example, as is commonly referred to as polystyrene. Such material is readily molded into any configuration for either functional or appearance effects and the elements formed thereby may be cemented together to form an airand liquid-tight seal.

It is, of course, apparent that the top and bottom portions may be formed of any material consistent with the use to which it is to be put. Since, as will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out, the baseand top when assembled form a reservoir for writing fluid, itis desirable that the material be impervious to any chemical action thereof. Thus any comparatively rigid material capable of being formed, molded or otherwise shaped, may be employed for the desk stand of this invention and if such material is subject to chemical reaction with the writing fluid, then it may be desirable to line the reservoir with glass or other material impervious to the chemical action of the writing fluid for hold- .ing the writing fluid apart from the material of the construction. 7

The base ID has an upwardly extending continuous wall 15 disposed intermediate the length and width thereof registering with a downwardly extending continuous wall 16 of the top II. The edge of the wall I5 is preferably provided with a tongue for fitting into a groove of the wall I6, the walls being cemented together at the juncture ,of the tongue and groove to form a liquidand air-tight joint. The intermediate extending continuous walls I 5 and- 16 form inner and outer separated compartments I1 and 18 within the hollow. base of the desk stand. The compartment l1 forms a closed reservoir for writing fluid and the top Hisprovided with an aperture l9 above the compartment [8 for receiving a recleptacle 20 in which latter the penholder 2| is eld.

The receptacle 20. isprovided with a flared ing' 23, the reduced opening23 being provided with alterna'teridges and grooves around the periphery thereof to relieve any suction effect which otherwise may be created in the withdrawal of the holder from the receptacle. A reduced extension 25 extending from a shoulder 24 on the end of the penholder engages the ridges of the reduced opening 23, the lengths of the reduced extension of the penholder and reduced axial alignment with the receptacle. The end of the reduced extension 25 engages a shoulder formed at the juncture of a reduced opening 26 with the opening 23 to seal the writing fluid in a dip well thereh-elow, a pen nib 21 extending from the end of the penholder clearing the opening 26.

The type of writing instrument adapted for use generally with reservoir desk stands of the type disclosed. herein is provided witha feed bar for supporting the pen nib, the feed bar having a plurality of longitudinally extending fissures intersectedby cross. cuts in the form of combs providing wells of capillary dimensions for holding a substantial. supply of writing fluid. The supply of writing fluid held in the capillary combs and the longitudinally extending capillary fissures is sufficient for purposes of writing over a substantial period of time, the fissures conducting writing fluid from the combs to the slit in the nib. This type of construction is in general use and further showing and disclosure thereof is believed to be unnecessary.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 7 of the drawings, the receptacle is supported for extension into the compartment ill by a centering device comprising preferably a metal ring 28 of substantially greater diameter than the opening l9 for overlying theperiphery thereof. A Washer 29 is disposed adjacent the metal ring 28 and is of a diameter to fittheopening is in .the top I l. The ring 23 and washer 29 each have an angularly extending aperture in registration with each other of a diameterto snugly receive a portion of reduced external diameter of the re- ,ceptacleZll. It is preferable thatthereceptacle 20 and washer 29 be formed of Bakelite or other plastic or composition material. The receptacle, ring, and washer are held in an assembled relation, by means. of a, substantially U-shaped spring clip 33 which fits in a groove in the outer periphery of the receptacle and extends therebeyond to overlie a portion of the washer 29.

When it is desired to disassemble the members of the receptacle structure it is only necessary to slide the substantially U-shaped spring clip 30 out of the groove in the receptacle.

The compartments IT and [8. .li substantially in the same horizontal plane above the top of the base Ill. The receptacle 2.0 for convenience in use extends angularly from the horizontal into the compartment it. Thus the pen isin position ready for use as it is grasped by the hand and removed from the receptacle and the receptacle is in position to conveniently receive the pen as it is inserted back thereinto. w

In order to supply writing fluid from the reservoir to the pen nib and its fluid feeding mechanism, a well 3! is formed on the top surface of the base In for receiving a portion of the writing end of the nib. The well is of substantially frusto-conical shape with the axes thereof substantially coinciding with the axis of the receptacle 20 and the penholder 2!. The top of the well forming the base of the frusto-conical shaped well, as shown more particularly in Fig. 4, is inclined with respect to the horizontal, the inclination being substantially at an angle of thirty degrees.

A. portion of the wall bounding the well 3| is spaced from the continuous wall l5 of the base and'is provided with extensions 32 and 33 forming a dam of substantially the height of the well. A restricted passage 34 extends substantially horizontally in the base In below the top thereof and communicates with a restricted portion 35 of the reservoir H. In molding the base, if the base is thus formed, the passageway is provided with a counterbored portionand the counterbored portion has a strip 36 cemented therein. The passage 34 preferably communicates with a restricted portion 35v of the reservoir 11 in order to eliminate substantially, if not all, thepressure of the fluid against the opening to the well 3! shouldthe reservoir desk stand be tipped or accidentally moved. This restricted reservoir portion 35 is formed by disposing the inner compartment vI8 adjacent one end of the outer compartment .so that in a rectangularly-shaped base a relatively small channel is formed along three sides of the inner compartment.

The portion of the continuous wall I5 between the dams 32 and 33 is provided with a slot 31 of capillary dimensions extending from the top of the base substantially tothe top of the well at its greatest height. When the sides of the slot are wet, the writing fluid is drawn from the reservoir by capillary attraction to the top of the slot to form a seal across the entire opening thereof. When the, writing instrument has been in use and fluid drawn from the capillary comb cuts and fissures, it is returned to the receptacle for storage until further use is desired. The combcuts and fissures of the feed bar withdraw fluid from thewell and such action forms a slight vacuum in the reservoir to break the seal atthe top of the slot 31 thus allowing air to enter the reservoir equal in volume to the amount of writing fluid withdrawn from the well 3|. As soon as the volume of air equals the volume of fluid withdrawn from the reservoir, the slot is again sealed by fluid from the reservoir and no further flow of fluid from the reservoir to the well is had. This operation is repeated as frequently as fluid is withdrawn from the well and a constant level is thus maintained therein. It will be noted that air to replace fluid withdrawn from the reservoir enters the reservoir through the slot and not through the passag that supplies the well with fluid from the reservoir. The slot 31 is the means whereby the level of fluid in the well is predetermined.

Temperature changes may cause the air in the reservoir to heat and expand thus forcing the fluid from the reservoir into expansion chambers 38 and 39. The expansion chambers are disposed below the substantially horizontal planes of the compartments l1 and I8 and also below the bottom of the Well 3| so as not to interfere with the operation of the desk stand. The expansion chambers 38 and 39 serve to contain the fluid forced from the reservoir by expansion of the air therein and are of sufiicient capacity to hold all the fluid forced out under normal conditions without allowing the fluid level in the expansion chamber to rise above the edgeof the well 3|. .When the reservoir I1 is first filled With writing fluid by means of tilting the stand in a manner to be hereinafter described, and the stand is placed flat on the desk in condition for use, a slight amount of fluid may flow through the slot 31 before a seal is formed therein. If this fluid could reach the expansion chambers a considerable amount of fluid might be drawn from the reservoir. Partitions 32 and 33 connecting the wall of the well 3| with the continuous wall I5 of the base form a dam bounding the slot 31 which effectively holds back the fluid passing through the slot until the seal is completely formed.

When the reservoir of the desk stand is to be filled with writing fluid, the receptacle assembly is removed from. the aperture I9 above the compartment [8. A finger nail recess-4B is provided the direction of spring pressure against the inclined surfaces 45 hold the ring 28 firmly'against the upper surface of the top I I. I

In removing the receptacle assembly the inclined surfaces 45 direct the pins 4| and 42 inwardly against the compression of the springs I thereof so that the ball-pointed ends thereof clear the periphery of the aperture. The stand is then inverted or set into an upright position, the basebeing moved from the horizontal in the direction of the vertical and a bottle containing writing fluid may be threadedly engaged inthe threads of the aperture Hi. It is not essential that threads be provided or that the bottle threadedly engage the aperture although this may be desirable. The fluid in the bottle is transferred to the compartmentlS which acts, in effect, as a funnel to direct fluid through a restricted passage 46 communicating between the compartments ll and I8. After the reservoir is filled with writing fluid, the receptacle assembly is moved into position, the ball-pointed ends of the pin 4! being moved against the compression thereof along the inclined surface 41' until the pins are in such a position as the washer 29 may pass through the aperture [9 whereafter the pins move outwardly by the compression ofthe springs against the inclined surfaces 46 to set the receptacle in position.

Referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that when the receptacle assembly is in position in the compartment i8, the passage is closed by a closure 48, the closure 48 comprising a hard rubber stem having one end thereof fixed in a recess'in the washer 29, the other end having a soft rubber pad for covering the opening of the passage 46 into the compartment I8. In this condition the fluid in the reservoir may not back up into thecompa-rtment I8 so as not to overflow the ex pansion chambers and well thereof. In the filling operation, as above described, the flow of writing fluid is not interrupted but is relatively free from the compartment I 8 into the compartment ll since air evacuating from the reservoir as writing fluid takes the place thereof may pass through either the slot 3'! or the well 3|, or both. After the receptacle assembl is in position, as shown in Fig. 3, the reservoir may be set back in its normal horizontal position on the desk or supporting surface.

While but a single embodiment of this invention is herein shown and described, it is who understood that various modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same is only to be limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims. a

I claim:

1. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a walled compartment in said base forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receivingv the writing point end of a penholder, a well in said'base into which a nib of the penholder is received, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in one of said compartment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

'2; A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a walled compartment in said base forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receiving the writing point end of a penholder,

a well in said base into which a nib of the penholder is received, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, ,a. normally closed passage for supplying writing fluid to said reservoir, and a slot'of capillary dimensions in one of said compartment wallsfor predetermining. the level of fluid in said well.

3. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a Walled-compartment in said base forming a horizontally extending closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receiving the writing point end of a penholder, a well in said base in the horizontal plane or" said reservoir and into which a nib of. the penholder is received, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in one of said compartment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

4. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a walled compartment in said base forming a horizontally extending closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receiving the writing point end of a penholder, a well in said base in the horizontal plane of said reservoir and into which a nib of the penholder is received. a restricted passage extending in' a horizontal plane below the planes of said reservoir and said well for communication therewith and for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said'well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in one of said compartment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well; I

5. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a walled compartment in said base forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receiving the writing point end of a penholder, a well in said base into which a nib of the penholder is received, arestricted. passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, a-slot of, capillary dimensions in one of said compartment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well, and an expansion chamber in said base for receiving any overflow from said well.

6. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a walled compartment in said base forming a horizontally extending closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receiving the writing point end of a penholder, a well in said base in the horizontal plane of said reservoir and into which a nib of the penholder is received, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, an expansion chamber below the levels of said reservoir and said well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in one of said compartment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

7. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a walled compartment in said base forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receiving the writing point end of a penholder, a well in said base into which a nib of the penholder is received, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, a slot of capillary dimensions in one of said compartment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well, an expansion chamber in said base for receiving any overflow from said reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle for receiving the writing point end of apenholder, a

well in said base separate from said receptacle and in axial alignment therewith into which a nib of the penholder is received, the plane of the top of said well extending angularly from the. horizontal, a restricted passage 'for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir tosaid well,

a slot of capillary dimensions in one of said com-' partment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well, and a dam extending from said well to said slottedwall, the height of said dam being greater than the height of said well at the lowest point thereof.

9.;A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a walled compartment in said base forming a closed reservoir fo writing fluid, a removable receptacle for receiving thewriting point end of a penholder, a well in said base into which a nib of the penholder is received, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, a slot of capillary dimensions in one of said compartment walls for predetermining the level of fluid in said well, a passage for supplying writing fluid to said reservoir, and a closure for normally closing said reservoir supply passage and removable therefrom for access to said passage.

10. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, a

closed compartment in said base forming a reservoir for writing fluid, a removable receptacle for receiving the writing point end of a penholder, a well in said base into which a nib of the penholder is received, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, a passage for supplying writing fluid to said reservoir, and a closure secured to said receptacle for normally closing said reservoir supply passage and removable with said receptacle for access to said passage.

11. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, wall separated compartments in said base, one of said compartments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in the wall between said compartments for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

12. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, wall separated compartments in said base, one of said compartments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a removable receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder. a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, a second restricted passage communicating between said compartments for filling said reservoir, a slot of capillary dimensions in the wall between said compartments for predetermining the level of fluid in said well, and a closure attached to said receptacle for normally closing said reservoir filling passage and removable with said receptacle for access to said passage.

13. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base,

wall'separated compartments in said base, one of saidicomp'artments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writingipoint end of a penholder and said well receiving. the nib of the penholder, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, aslot of capillary dimensions in the wall between said compartments for predetermining the level of fluid in said well, and a dam comprising a wall extending from said well to said slotted wall on each side of the slot thereof.

- 14. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base,

" wall separated compartments in said base, one of said compartments'forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, expansion chambers in said last mentioned compartment adjacent said well, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the.

penholder, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and a slotiof capillary dimensions in the wall between said compartments for predetermining the level of fluid in said well. 7

15. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base, wall separated compartments in said base extending in substantially the same horizontal plane, one of said compartments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder, a restricted passage extending in a plane below the planes of said horizontally extending compartments for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in the wall between said compartments for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

16. A reservoir desk stand comprising a hollow base, separated compartments in said base formed by a continuous wall spaced from the vertical walls forming said hollow base, one of said compartments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in said continuous wall for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

17. A reservoir desk stand comprising a substantially rectangular hollow base formed by spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced side and end walls, inner and outer separated compartments in said base formed by a continuous wall spaced from the side and end walls of said base, said inner compartment being disposed adjacent one end of said outer compartment to form a comparatively restricted reservoir portion thereat, one of said compartments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder, a passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, said passage communicating with said reservoir at the restricted portion thereof, and a slot of capillary dimensions in said continuous wall adjacent said restricted reservoir portion for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

18. A reservoir desk stand comprising a base having an upwardly extending continuous wall intermediate the length and width thereof, a flanged top having a downwardly extending continuous wall registering with said continuous wall of said base for fixed engagement therewith, said base having fixed engagement with the flange of said top which together with said intermediately extending continuous walls form separated compartments, one of said compartments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and means for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

19. A reservoir desk stand comprising a flanged base having an upwardly extending continuous wall intermediate the length and width thereof, a flanged top having a downwardly extending continuous wall registering with said continuous wall of said base for fixed engagement therewith, the flange of said top being undercut to provide a shoulder upon which the flange of said base rests for fixed engagement therewith, said intermediately extending continuous walls forming separated compartments, one of said compartments forming a reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder, a restricted passage for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and means for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

20. A reservoir desk stand comprising a molded two-part hollow base, separated compartments formed by connected walls formed integrally with each of the parts of said base, one of said compartments forming a closed reservoir for writing fluid, a receptacle and a well'in the other compartment, said receptacle receiving the writing point end of a penholder and said well receiving the nib of the penholder, a restricted passage molded in one part of said base for supplying writing fluid from said reservoir to said well, and a slot of capillary dimensions in the wall between said compartments for predetermining the level of fluid in said well.

LYNN P. MARTIN. 

